Posted by Soultheory Editorial Team
on July 18, 2026
If you were born in December, you actually have two traditional birthstones to choose from, not one. The modern American list (set in 1912) names Turquoise. Older European and Vedic-adjacent stone traditions name Lapis Lazuli instead. This guide covers what each stone means, where Howlite fits in as an accessible everyday option, and how to pick one that is both authentic and honestly priced in 2026.
Everything below separates documented mineral fact from crystal-healing tradition, so you know exactly what you are buying and why.
What Is December's Birthstone? (Quick Answer)
December has two recognized birthstones - Turquoise (the modern, 1912-onward standard) and Lapis Lazuli (the older historical choice, still used in many European and Indian jewellery traditions). Both are blue stones associated with communication, calm, and protection while travelling - which is likely why they were paired with the final month of the year. Soultheory currently stocks natural Lapis Lazuli and Howlite, Turquoise is not part of the current catalog.
Turquoise - The Modern December Birthstone
Turquoise is a soft, opaque blue-green mineral that has been used in jewellery for over 6,000 years, from ancient Egypt to Persia to the American Southwest. In crystal healing tradition, it is associated with protection during travel and honest communication - a fitting theme for a winter birth month.
Genuine natural Turquoise is rare and increasingly expensive, which is why a large share of "turquoise" jewellery sold online today is actually dyed Howlite or reconstituted stone. If a Turquoise bracelet is priced under a few hundred rupees, it is very unlikely to be the real mineral.
Lapis Lazuli - December's Older, Historical Birthstone
Before the 1912 American list standardized Turquoise, older European stone calendars listed Lapis Lazuli for December. This deep-blue metamorphic rock, flecked with golden pyrite, has been mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years and was ground into the pigment ultramarine for centuries. In tradition, it is linked to truth, wisdom, and clear communication.
Why Some Lists Give December Two Stones
Birthstone lists were never fixed by a single global authority. Different cultures and eras assigned different stones to each month, and when the modern list was formalized, older choices like Lapis Lazuli were not erased - they simply kept being used alongside the newer pick. That is why you will see both named for December depending on which list a jeweller follows.
Howlite - The Everyday Alternative Soultheory Stocks
Howlite is a white, marble-veined mineral that is naturally porous, which means it readily absorbs dye. This single property is why Howlite has become the most common substitute for Turquoise in affordable jewellery worldwide - dyed blue, it visually resembles Turquoise at a fraction of the cost. In its natural white state, it is traditionally associated with calm and patience.
How Howlite Is Traditionally Used to Imitate Turquoise
Most "budget Turquoise" bracelets sold online are dyed Howlite, not Turquoise. This is not automatically dishonest - reputable sellers disclose it. The problem is only when a seller charges Turquoise prices for dyed Howlite. Soultheory sells Howlite as Howlite, at Howlite prices, with no substitution claims.
How to Identify Genuine Howlite (Not a Different Dyed Stone)
- Natural, undyed Howlite is white to grey with fine, irregular grey-black veining - never a uniform bright color.
- It has a matte, slightly chalky surface texture, unlike the glassier finish of denser stones.
- On the Mohs hardness scale, Howlite sits around 3.5, softer than both Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli - it scratches more easily, which is a genuine trade-off, not a flaw to hide.
Turquoise vs Lapis Lazuli vs Howlite - Quick Comparison
| Stone | Traditional meaning | Typical color | Mohs hardness | Soultheory stock (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Protection while travelling, honest communication | Sky blue to blue-green | 5 - 6 | Not currently stocked |
| Lapis Lazuli | Truth, wisdom, clear communication | Deep blue with gold pyrite flecks | 5 - 5.5 | Yes, natural |
| Howlite | Calm, patience (natural); budget Turquoise look (dyed) | White with grey veining (natural) | 3.5 | Yes, natural (undyed) |
How to Choose Your December Birthday Gemstone
There is no single "correct" answer between the two official birthstones - the right pick depends on what you actually want to wear and carry:
- Want the historically older December stone, in a durable everyday bracelet - choose natural Lapis Lazuli.
- Want a lighter, calming stone for daily wear - choose natural (undyed) Howlite.
- Specifically want Turquoise - shop from a seller who can show origin documentation, and expect to pay accordingly; treat very low prices as a red flag.
- Buying as a gift and unsure of preference - Lapis Lazuli is the safer, more durable choice for daily wear.
Pran Pratishta - Energizing Your Birthstone Bracelet
Soultheory offers optional Pran Pratishta energization on request for Lapis Lazuli and Howlite bracelets, following traditional Vedic ritual practice. This is offered as a spiritual and cultural service, not as a claim of any measurable physical effect. It is entirely optional and does not change the price of the base bracelet.
Read more about the full process in our Lapis Lazuli bracelet benefits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli the "real" December birthstone? Both are considered official. Turquoise is the modern (1912) American Gem Trade Association standard; Lapis Lazuli is the older, historical European choice. Neither is more "correct" than the other.
Is Howlite a real December birthstone? No. Howlite is not on any official birthstone list. It became popular as an affordable, dyeable substitute for Turquoise, and in its natural undyed form it has its own separate tradition around calm and patience.
How can I tell if a "Turquoise" bracelet is actually dyed Howlite? Check for uniform color with zero natural veining (a red flag for dye), a very low price for claimed natural Turquoise, and ask the seller directly whether the stone is natural or reconstituted - a transparent seller will tell you.
Can I wear Lapis Lazuli every day? Yes, natural Lapis Lazuli (Mohs 5 - 5.5) is durable enough for regular wear. Avoid harsh chemicals, perfume, and prolonged water exposure, which can dull the surface over time.
Does Soultheory sell genuine Turquoise? Not currently. Our December-relevant stock is natural Lapis Lazuli and natural Howlite - both shown honestly as what they are, with no Turquoise substitution claims.
Explore the full December birthday collection or compare it with November's birthstone picks if your birthday falls near the month boundary.
Important note: Information shared here reflects traditional Vedic beliefs and cultural practices. Individual experiences vary. This content is for educational and cultural purposes only - it is not medical, financial, or psychological advice. Consult qualified professionals for health, financial, or other personal decisions.
